Well, I dont know what to say. Yall are going to make a humble southern girl get a big head with all these wonderful comments. Like I said, I will keep this going as long as I can or until yall kick me off the board. I am still missing my wonderful distraction, so it has been hard to think about the story todaybut with such wonderful readers and fans, I couldnt disappoint you.

Ash, I hope you are still out thereand everything is going good for you.

Darkhorse & Sous Chef, what can I sayyall are the best.

LSUfan, I know how it feels to be looked upon as a redneckbut at least we dont judge otherswe just kick their behinds in all the sports!

To the rest of my readers, thank you for your time. I know it is precious to you and the thought of you taking time out to read my story makes my heart swell with love and admiration.

So, yall know the drill by nowgrab whatever you want and enjoy!


Chapter 11


Lara had been right about Dana, she was on an emotional roller coaster. When she was busy she was fine, but if she stopped for even a minute her mood became somber. She was mourning the loss of her parents. It was killing Lara to see her like this. She knew that she needed to do something, but when or where she had no idea. She had tried to keep Dana as busy as she could. They had a lot to do since they had decided to move in together, like move Laras stuff to Danas and still work out the ground rules. With Lara working and Dana having practice and photo shoots, it didnt leave much time for them. That following weekend they were going to dedicate all their time to each other and moving in with each other. No friends, no phones, nothing. They had decided that was when they would make up the ground rules.

Friday, Alice and Shane had wanted them to go to The Planet, but this was their time to shut out the world. They politely declined, Lara was going to make them a romantic dinner and they were going to just relax and enjoy each other. They hadnt made love since the incident with Danas parents and Lara didnt mind, but Dana did. She felt guilty. She wanted Lara so much, but she just couldnt get her parents off of her mind. Lara would just hold her at night as she cried and fell asleep. She still didnt know what she had done in her life to deserve someone like Lara.

Dana opened the door to an aroma that made her mouth water. Mmmm, something smells wonderful. She found her sous chef chopping away at the kitchen counter and walked up behind her, placing her arms around her waist. And the food smells pretty good too.
Lara just laughed. Wait until you taste it. It will be one of the most orgasmic experiences of your life. Danas smiling face became flush and she averted her eyes. Lara couldnt resist Danas innocence. She wrapped Dana in her arms and bent down to kiss her. Ive missed you today. I didnt see you come into the club for lunch today.

After practice, I had to go straight to a meeting with the reps from Subaru. They are beginning to schedule some appearances for me to do, as well as more photo shoots. Danas smile began to disappear, some of the appearances are out of town.

Lara knew that meant that she couldnt go because of work, she had taken off a few days already and probably wasnt going to be able to get anymore right away, especially since she hadnt been at the club that long. Thats okayyou know they do have phones. We can call each other when you go out of town. Although, I know that the bed is going to be cold without you next to me.

I dont want to be without you. Danas eyes began to look like she just lost her best friend. I have lost so much lately, I cant stand not to have you next to me every night.

Baby Laras embrace became tighter, it will be fine. Now, I need to finish up here so, why dont you go take a quick shower and get ready for dinner. The attire is ***** casual.

You know you tell me I look ***** in anything I wear, so what if I came back down here in sweats?

Just make sure you wear that tight little tank top with them…I love how it shows off your ***** curves.

Youre insatiable. Dana gave Lara a quick kiss and headed off to take her shower.

Lara finished up their dinner and lit the candles on the table. Dana descended the stairs, wearing the blue sundress that she had wanted to wear on their first date. I thought you were going to wear sweat pants and a tank.

I wanted to look special for you. Dana sauntered over to Lara, I always want to look special for you. She then pulled Lara into a passionate embrace.

You look wonderful in whatever you wear. Its not the clothes that make you specialits this. Lara placed her hand over Danas heart. I promise that one day it will be mended and you wont have any heartache anymore.

I dont have anything but love in my heart when you are near me. Dana pulled Lara in tight and hugged her and never wanted to let go.

I hate to break this moment up, but I dont want the food to get cold. And knowing you, you probably havent eaten all day, have you?
I had a muffin this morning before practice.

Well, go sit down and I will bring dinner right out. Lara loosened her embrace and Dana turned and walked out of the kitchen.

Lara sat a plate in front of Dana and one in front of where she was going to sit. This looks wonderful. What is it? Dana inquired as she poured the chardonnay.

It is Chicken Marsala with roasted vegetables. Lara just had to tease Dana, wait until you taste my dessert.

They made small talk as they began to eat. The candlelight danced in Danas eyes as Lara began to tell her about her day. She told her how she was hoping to see her for lunch or at least maybe in the locker room. How she only cut two fingers at work, but then cut one cooking their dinner.

Which one? Lara held up the ring finger on her left hand. My poor baby Dana took Laras hand into her own, such a special finger to have cut. With that, she placed a kiss on the afflicted finger, eliciting a smile from Lara. You said something about dessert earlier?

Ahhh, yes. Ill be right back. Lara took the plates from the table and went back into the kitchen. She emerged with two small serving dishes. I hope you like tiramisu.

I love it, it is one of my favorite.

After they finished dessert, Lara cleared the dishes and Dana walked into the living room. She found herself placing a CD of love songs into the stereo and turning down the lights. Lara entered the room, holding two refilled glasses of wine, offering one to Dana.

Thanks. Dana took a sip, never looking away from Laras eyes. Would you do me the honor of a dance? Dana asked while setting her glass down.

I never thought you would ask. Lara set her glass next to Danas and took her proffered hand. They slid into each others arms and began to dance.

Dinner was wonderful, you out did yourself

Thank you. You are worth it. Lara laid her head upon Danas shoulder as they swayed to the music. After a few minutes, Lara spoke. You know we still have to work out some ground rules, dont you?

I know, but I just want to stay like this for tonight. Can we do it in the morning?

Of course. But I am about ready to go to bed.

Dana left the music on as they went upstairs, hand in hand. I didnt know you were getting tired. You should have told me earlier.

As they entered the bedroom, Lara turned to Dana, pulling her inside. I never said anything about sleep. With that her devilish grin that Dana couldnt resist appeared on her face.

I should have known. Danas voice beginning to fill with sarcasm, You think that you can cook me a dinner like that, dance with me, give me wine and I am going to put out.

Mmmm Hmmm. Lara ran her hands up and down Danas spine, sending shivers through her body. Was I wrong?

Have you ever been wrong in your life?

Not really.

Then why start now.

They leaned into each other and began a long slow kiss. Their embrace becoming tighter, their hands beginning to roam. As the kiss grew deeper, breathing became more shallow. Dana backed Lara up to the bed and began to unzip her dress. She placed feather kisses on Laras shoulders as she removed the straps, allowing the dress to fall to the ground. You are so perfect. Dana captured her lovers lips once again.

Lara ran her fingertips from the small of Danas back to the top of her dress and began to do the same as Dana had just done. As her tongue explored Danas mouth, the dress was discarded. The kiss was finally broken as they longingly gazed into each others eyes. Dana lowered her lover gently back onto the bed and lay on top of her. She could feel the heat from Laras body. Their skin touching, hands beginning to roam once more. They were the only two that existed in the world at that time. As they made love, two bodies and two hearts became one.

Dawn arrived too soon for both Dana and Lara. Dana turned toward Lara and snuggled in her arms, trying to hide her eyes from the offending light that entered the room. A few more minutes, that was all she asked. It was like her prayers were answered, Lara pulled the cover over their heads to grant them a little while longer in each others arms and Dana fell back asleep.

Dana was dreaming about the future, the bright future with Lara. But her dream became dark and cold, she looked around, Lara was being pulled further away from her and her parents appeared. All girlfriends have feelings for each other, that doesnt mean that they have to act on them, We will never accept this lifestyle was all she could hear them repeating. She awoke quickly, her heart racing, her eyes trying to find Lara.

Whats wrong Dana? Lara felt Dana jump.

I had a dream, you were there and we were planning our future and all of a sudden, you were being pulled further and further away from me. I couldnt reach you and then they showed up.

Who showed up Dana? the concern was evident in Laras voice now.

My parents. Tears threatened to spill over onto Danas cheeks. I kept hearing the repeat that they would never accept my lifestyle and that I shouldnt react to feelings for my girlfriends. Dana looked at Lara, needing to feel safe.

Shhhit will be okay Dana. Lara cradled her lover in her arms. Im not going to let anyone pull me away from you. They sat there holding each other, Dana for dear life, Lara to protect.

As the morning went on, they decided to make the ground rules, but they werent going to do it in bed, it was to distracting. It was too hard for them to keep their hands off of each other. So Lara went downstairs to begin breakfast and Dana soon followed. As they sat at the table in the kitchen, they began.

I dont want you supporting me. I want to pay half of the bills at least. Lara didnt want to depend on anyone financially, she was adamant about that.

Well, the house is paid for, so there isnt a house payment or rent, so all that is left is the utilities and food.

Thats fine. I just dont want to live off of you, I want to live with you. The next request would be harder. I also want to keep my apartment.

Dana got her confused look on her face, she didnt know whether to be hurt or relieved. Why? You dont need it.

Lara was trying to think of an easy way to say what needed to be said. Dana, you know I want to be here with you. You also know that we still have things to work through together and on our own.

But, youI..

Dana, I have no plans of ever leaving, but you never know how things will work out.

Dana knew Lara was right, but she didnt want her to have an easy escape. Well, why dont you sublet it? At least that way, you wouldnt have to pay rent for someplace that you werent using. Dana was hoping that Lara would agree.

I will think about it. I dont want you to think that I will use it as an out if things start to get tough. Lara didnt want Dana to think that she would leave if they had an argument. The only way that I will ever move back there is if we try everything and cant work something out.

Danas request came next. I want you to think of this not as my home. This is OUR home. You belong here, just as I do. Lara smiled and placed her hand over Danas. She knew that she was home.

They finished laying out the ground rules. Lara would sublet her apartment, Dana agreed to let her pay half of the bills and they agreed that housework would be done by a cleaning lady. They were both relieved that this first step was over with and that it didnt take the whole day.

Dana cleaned up after breakfast and let Lara read the paper first, since she had gotten to read it first yesterday. As she was placing the last dish in the dishwasher, she heard Lara scoot her chair back from the table. Where are you going?

I just thought of something that I need to take care of. Lara was being evasive.

Can I help with something? Dana walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around Laras waist.

No, this is something that I need to do on my own. Lara turned her head and placed a quick kiss on Danas cheek. It shouldnt take me too long. Then we can have the rest of the weekend to just do stuff around here.

Danas curiosity was being peaked, but she didnt want to pry too much. Well, if you change your mind, let me know. It wouldnt take me too long to get ready.

Thanks for the offer. I will take it under consideration. Lara then headed upstairs to change. It was about 20 minutes later, she headed downstairs and into the living room, where Dana was finishing reading the paper and drinking another cup of coffee.

Wow, you look nice. You arent going to meet another woman are you? Dana joked.

WhaOh no. I just need to take care of some business that I had forgotten about. It shouldnt take too long. Lara leaned down and kissed Dana bye. Ill be back as soon as I can.

Dana wondered what kind of business needed to be done on a Saturday, but she dismissed her thoughts.

As Lara looked down at the address, she was hoping that it was close. She had never been in this upscale neighborhood, so it would have been easy to get lost. There it is.
She turned her car into the long driveway and headed towards the house. As she put the car in park, she prayed that God would give her the strength to get through this. She got out of the car with an air of confidence about her and went to the door and rang the bell. It seemed to take a while, in fact she thought that no one may be home, but then the door slowly began to open.

Yes, may I help you?

Mrs. Fairbanks, my name is Lara.